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Rotorua Philosophical Society.
Annual Report for 1955.
Membership. The number of financial members for the year was 74, a reduction of four from the previous year.
Meetings. Nine regular meetings have been held during 1955, at which a wide range of lectures and papers were presented, as follows:—March 24: Presidential Address, “Volcanology—a Branch of Geology,” Mr. J. Healy. April 28: Symposium, “Hydro-electric Construction—the Whakamaru Scheme,” Messrs B. N. Thompson and F. E. Studt, D.S.I.R., and H. E. Barber and C. Bambry, M.O W. May 26 “Science and Humanity,” Dr. E. Marsden, F.R.S. June 23: “Thirty Years of Forensic Chemistry,” Mr. K. M. Griffin. July 12. Conversazione—Work of the Geological Survey. July 28: “The Moral Philosophy of Science,” Professor W. Anderson August 25: “The Social Implications of Rheumatoid Arthritis,” Dr. B. S. Rose. September 22: “The Use of Indicators in the Depection of Noxious Gases,” Mr. H. J. Herron. “Pine Needles and What They Return to the Soil,” Mr. G. M. Wills. “The Vegetation of the Taupo Pumice Country,” Mr. J. E. Henry October 27: “The Artist and the Community,” Mr. Eric West-brook.
The Society has a high percentage of non-scientist members, and it is clear that this is due to the type and standard of lectures given during the year, and that these supply a cultural demand in the town. We extend our thanks to the speakers who have contributed to this year's programme. It is with regret we record the death of the late Professor Anderson a short time after his visit to Rotorua, and we extend our sympathy to his widow and family.
For the conversazione, use was made of several classrooms in the new science block at the High School, to demonstrate a number of the activities of the Geological Survey. At the meeting on September 22, three papers on original research by local scientists were presented. The standard of presentation, the material brought forward, and the lively discussions, proved this to be a worthwhile venture. The two evenings were innovations intended as annual features.
On August 5 the Society acted as hosts for a meeting convened by the Institute of Foresters, at which an address on “Soil Factors Influencing World Production and Forestry,” by Dr. E. W. Russell, a visiting English soil scientist of world renown. An extra meeting was held on November 11, when an illustrated talk on “Maori Art” was given by Dr. Gilbert Archey.
Royal Society of New Zealand. The Society applied for and was granted the status of Member Body of the Royal Society of New Zealand In this respect the Society assumes additional responsibilities, and is also entitled to representation on the Council of the Royal Society.
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Library. In keeping with the decision to spend proportion of its income each year on the library, members are advised that additional books have been purchased. However, in view of the fact that a substantial sum set aside to complete the set of the Transactions was saved because the Royal Society and the Auckland Institute donated the required volumes without charge, a donation was made to the Royal Society in lieu. To these two bodies we express appreciation of their kind gifts.
Towards the end of the year a Library Committee was appointed and authorised to make purchases of books along the line approved by your Committee. It is considered that the present aims should be to provide a comprehensive collection of suitable New Zealand publications, a few scientific periodicals of wide interest, and modern books on various aspects of science designed to stimulate thought and reading. We acknowledge with thanks a number of donations of books to the library.
Borough Museum. Following a meeting with members of the Borough Council last year, the Society was advised this year that the Council would appreciate suggestions for improving the Treasure House. The Committee arranged for a number of volunteers from the Society, and in addition to Messrs. M. Black, and F. Leonard to inspect the museum and report on its condition and possibilities from several viewpoints. We appreciate the submission of the following reports: Mr. M. Black (Ornithology); Mr. F. Leonard (Maori Artifacts), Dr. D. R. Gregg (Geological specimens), Mr. E. A. Lloyd (Photographic collection), Mr. H. R. Orman (Botanical specimens), Mr. W. J. Wilson (Collections).
The reports, which contain a comprehensive account of the contents of the museum and constructive suggestions as to what changes could to advantage be made, have been considered by the Committee, who now have an appointment to discuss them with the Borough Council's representatives next month. Opportunity was also taken to discuss the project with Dr. Archey when he visited Rotorua, and he has offered to assist the Society and the Borough Council if required.